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Bike Sharing Comes to Houston

Thursday, May 03, 2012 - 01:40 PM

(Houston, TX -- KUHF) Houston is now joining cities like Chicago and Washington, DC in providing bikes for short-term rentals. Riders can buy a yearly membership for $50 or they can purchase a one-day membership directly at the kiosk for $5.

Mayor Annise Parker says the program is starting with just 18 bikes but they'd like to have about 200 bikes by the end of the year.

"Currently we're just in the downtown area with three locations: Discovery Green, Market Square, and here, so you can do the downtown triangle. But we hope it will be embraced by Houstonians, as it has been in other cities, and we'll be able to expand the system."

Parker says along with helping locals get around without having to get behind the wheel, Bike Share will also give visitors a new way to see Houston.

"I think it's going to be something that the folks who are involved in conventions around the George R. Brown will find very interesting. If they're over in the convention center hotel or at a conference, you can just jump on a bike."

Houston is now one of 15 cities in the country where you can check out a bicycle for a quick trip. The new program is called "B-Cycle," and it's designed to help people get around downtown without having to drive. Officials say the bike share program is part of the city's efforts to cut down on vehicle emissions while helping residents keep fit.

Outside Houston City Hall, a B-cycle representative shows how riders use a card to check out one of the sturdy silver bikes lined up next to a self-serve kiosk. With big fenders and chain guards, riders can safely hop on in a business suit.

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